Central Asian trio launch bid to co-host Asian Cup finals
Feb 25 (Reuters) - Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have launched a joint bid to host the 2031 Asian Cup, the regional Central Asian Football Association announced.
The three nations are the latest to notify the Asian Football Confederation of their desire to organise the quadrennial event, following expressions of interest from the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Indonesia.
"The AFC Asian Cup is more than a football tournament, it is a celebration of unity, progress, and sporting excellence," CAFA president Rustam Emomali said in a post on Instagram.
"Central Asia has a deep-rooted football culture and a passionate fan base, and we are confident that together, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyz Republic can deliver an exceptional tournament that leaves a lasting legacy."
The three nations are all former Soviet republics and joined the AFC in 1994.
None of the trio have previously hosted the Asian Cup, although Uzbekistan will organise the Women's Asian Cup in 2029.
The next edition of the Asian Cup will be played in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
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